Global Musicians Fish Pond

Ever seen The Richter Sisters? You’d know if you had; all smiles, deep feeling, and sincere lyrics; they shine, with harmonies to die for. To a sell out crowd, they delighted with a wealth of original numbers, earning a standing ovation after 2 hours of heartfelt performance at 49 West.

Pranam Bai and Ruchi Singh are the youngest of 7 siblings. Born into a musical family, these two sisters have clearly decided what they want; a life defined by the music that they create and produce so well together. Performing together as The Richter Sisters for a relatively short time, they are still maturing (albeit quickly) as musicians, but the practice they put in is immediately obvious.

Beginning their set with a smile, and a “thanks for being here”, they knew exactly how to convey their real pleasure that so many had turned out (but for a backstage pass, I had been refused entry as the place was packed). They launch into “Lead the Way”, an empowering song which questions you:

“I challenge you to challenge yourself
To use your light in your own darkness
And when the road ahead is indecisive
Trust your heart to lead the way”

The harmonies are immediately noticeable; the time that these girls have had to perfect their craft together shows in well rehearsed back-and-forth melodies, and harmonies which show off Ruchi’s strong soprano and Pranam Bai’s huge range, ending with an exquisite high octave jump which takes nerve to attempt, especially in an opener like this. Lyrically it shows that despite the clean-cut look that these two sisters cultivate, they clearly are two young women comfortable with who they are. It’s pleasing, the guitar-backing sounds almost mandolin-like, with a carefully-picked solo from Ruchi, and has the crowd behind them from the start, swaying along and clearly wanting more.

Moving later in the set, on request from brother Sammy, is an emotional number “Blue Eyes”, written for their “miracle baby” niece. I’d challenge even the brashest listener to stay dry-eyed, as their lullaby washes over a silent audience:

“One day, one day maybe you will see,
Like a river, my love for you runs so deep;
Underneath these same blue skies,
your bright blue eyes, will open wide,
To see you through”

It’s a good demonstration of the depth with which The Richter Sisters write, the melody incorporating Pranam Bai’s delicately picked guitar style with sister Ruchi’s chords. They love, and they’re not afraid to show it in any way, as vulnerable as it makes them on stage.

My favorite song of the set was still to come – “Show Me”; the sentiment is beautiful and shows a well-spring of emotion beyond their years:

“So show me a little love, and I’ll reciprocate it”.

This one is is a heart-breaker; it’s something which you’d hope that everyone in the room could empathize with. With the now-familiar gorgeous harmonies throughout, it becomes even more noticeable that through the big-hearted smiles, these girls are focused on the lyric, the feeling of the song, pure heart; and it shows in their faces, as serious as the feelings expressed through the song. It’s very hard to pick a lyric from this because the whole song is so well put together, but these are surely my choice:

“I long for you to always see me in happiness;
Hold me close,
And kiss me on my nose,
And tell me you love me while you’re sure you know”

Closing out the set with an anthemic and clearly memorable number “Into Your Love”, they have the audience singing along, and produce a strong version of the song for their well-earned encore. Indeed it is a song which is so heartfelt, a lyric of two lovers trusted in each others’ arms:

“I see my future in your eyes
I long to find my way back to your smile
If this is just a dream, don’t wake me up
I feel I’m falling into your love”

Ironically the “catch” is the “catch me, catch me”, which has the crowd right with them to the end. Memorable, chart-worthy, and for fans of The Richter Sisters, this will be a tag line which will run and run.

I’ll admit to knowing these girls; having opened for them in Winchester (147 North) the night before (where they only played for an hour), I made the 4 hour round-trip to Annapolis to check them out, knowing that headlining, they would deliver something special and worthy of a review. I write here with all of the objectivity that you expect from an unbiased Fish Pond piece; they didn’t disappoint, and as they mature, they will be a band to make us all proud. Everyone who made the trip knows just what I mean. They love, and they are loved in return.

You can find out more about the Richter Sisters on their profile page, here.

Their Facebook page is here, and they also have a YouTube channel here.

By David Mark Smith

Lets talk blues. Lets talk Gregg Wright. An extremely talented artist in his own right, his musicianship goes beyond the skills his so clearly demonstrates, to genuine inspiration.

Gregg first took up the guitar while attending junior high school in Falls, Texas. Playing in bands all around the Washington D.C area, he established himself as a very talented musician; a strong prelude to his pro career.  He began on the U.S. Southern circuit in the mid-1970′. A move in the ’80’s from Louisiana to Los Angeles found Wright becoming a more-than-noticed guitarist, earning awards, recording platinum albums and doing world tours with superstars like Michael Jackson and Mick Fleetwood among others.

In his electrifying blues cover, ‘Cry Myself A River’, he starts right off with sensational guitar riffs that pull you right down into the setting of a smoky little café, filled with late-night party goers, and steamy love. The long intro of a full 49 seconds, is so simple; with just the electric guitar and drums holding down a groovy sway, the whole song could be an instrumental and I’d be happy; it’s that good. But when the lyrics do come in, singing out the title “I’m gonna cry myself a river” Gregg effortlessly draws you in; hook, line, and sinker. The lyrical content paints the picture of a heart-wrenching love that everyone can relate to, but only some succeed in creating into such passion in a song form.

The song has this great build throughout, and so many places for an instrumental guitar solo. Gregg takes every opportunity and runs with it, pulling you higher and higher with each guitar lick. When he reaches that sweet note, it feels like you’re right there with him, and he’s singing directly to you, he gets you completely invested into the song. Somehow having the illusion of performing in an intimate setting, while perhaps really playing for thousands of people, Gregg’s talent goes beyond musical ability. And with such a rich tone to his voice, the lyrics linger with each word, and with the slight growl that touches select vocal notes, there’s a feeling of passion poured into every word.

Gregg has set an example of how blues has evolved and blended into the world of rock/pop during his musical career of working with Michael Jackson, while outstanding live performances across Europe and America, have earned him much deserved international acclaim.

I don’t know what’s next to come from Gregg Wright, but the legacy he’s left behind is definitely something to be proud of. Watch “Cry Myself a River” live in Calais in 2009 here.

You can hear more from Gregg here.

By Pranam Bai Richter, Head of Global Publicity, The Fish Pond

Random Holiday; a quartet of talented individuals, found their wings in the spring of 2009. These four musicians (freshman in High School at the time) discovered themselves and the best in each other through the music they create.

To them, music is about so much more then just writing “catchy” songs, or the glory and fame. It comes from the heart, and their music is a true reflection of who they are.

They released their EP entitled ‘A New Hope’ in December of 2011. The band had some small triumphs with the EP; doing a small tour in a few select states, and overall getting enough momentum and recognition, that they got signed onto Third Time Lucky Rekords in the spring of 2012. Though the band struggled through some member changes, they continued to push forward and spread their music; doing a east coast tour in the summer, and working on their debut album (to be released in the winter of ’13).

So how do I describe this talented group, who has been working so hard to get where they are today? Well, in one word, dedicated. Their music is a combination of head-banging pop/punk and full on party. Filled with electric guitar riffs, energetic drum beats and catchy lyrics, each song makes it’s own impact as one you won’t forget.

From their EP, their song; ‘Change of Pace’ starts right in with an electrifying intro of drums and guitar. Because the intro is long, it gives plenty of time to sink into the groove of the song, so when the first verse comes in you’re already hooked. Dramatic pauses on single guitar chords, give a creative instrumental pre-chorus, setting it up beautifully for the powerful lyrics of the chorus to leave a lasting impression. The bridge is my favorite part of the song, with a soft rhythm on the snare drum, the vocals shine through, “I can’t deny, you’re the reason I try, to get out of this town, I try to make you proud, this is what keeps me alive” then back for a final round, and out with a bang. That small touch adds such an impressive dynamic to the song. Have a listen here.

These guys are the real deal, and with their new album to be released soon, they are sure to take pop/punk music to another level. Their drive and fire is not only recognizable, but also very commendable. They pour their heart out into every song, without a moments hesitation, and are definitely musicians who will make a difference in the world with the music they create.

To quote the band; “Pop Punk isn’t a genre as much as it is a lifestyle. We hope to represent this genre or style the best we can through our music and our character off stage” …it’s easy to see, they do just that.

You can hear more from Random Holiday here;

You can check them out and buy their album here.

By Pranam Bai Richter, Head of Global Publicity, The Fish Pond

Good King Friday formed after members of classical group the Los Angeles New Music Ensemble met some long-lost friends at a show in Silverlake, CA. Ever since, they’ve been very successfully writing symphonic rock together. Released in October 2011, their self-titled album is a breath of fresh air that will knock you flat on your back.

It’s a combination of intelligent writing, really progressive classical music, and a pop-rock sound, which you can probably already tell I am finding hard to categorize. It’s just Good King Friday, pure and simple.

Joining the Fish Pond family in March 2012, they are characteristic of the global concept we represent. With lyrics from Matt Kolbet, their ranks are made up of Canadian Patrick Conlon on violin and vocals, Chicagoan Audrey Snyder on cello, L.A. girl Christina Giacona on guitar, clarinet, and vocals, her childhood friends, siblings Kelly Caswell on lead vocals and piano, and Chris Wakelin on drums, and their school mate from Valencia, CA, Nathan Caswell on bass and vocals‚ by the way married to Kelly, and also Matt’s brother in law. This is the family that makes up GKF.

Beginning with “I am Not the One”, we’re already treated to the kind of really tight, classically trained style which you can expect from the band’s quirky, changing tempos, from the best I can make out, from 7/8 time back into 4/4, and an exquisite journey in some really soaring vocal harmonies. The string parts make the best of the violin and cello, and are as symphonic as their orchestral backgrounds.

“Who Knows If the Moon’s a Balloon” has a great video on YouTube which you should check out whenever you get the chance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlMF76OKUtg. It’s a beautiful exploratory lyric, simple, romantic, bringing a little welcome clarinet into the mix for good measure. Good King Friday have this excellent habit of allowing you to focus on the music by repeating lyrics rather than making them over-complex; it’s a great idea, because to be honest there is so much to enjoy in the music and the voices they bring to the mix without overly focusing on the message

“Day After Day” is my favorite of the lot. It’s truly progressive neo-classical pop-rock at its very best, and as my musical heart is deeply rooted in punk rock, metal, and classic rock, with some even longer-ago ties to classical music, the superbly rangy and massive chorus really gets me lost in the moment; once again with the repeated lyric, so that I can focus on the collective, the build is immense, using to good effect some age old rock techniques with that amazing symphonic edge to it. And by the way, the arpeggiated ending to the song, ending with a real classical bang, is so much appreciated.

“I Know” shows how much fun these friends are having in their music. Here’s your chance to see them all in action, with, in my opinion, one of the best and freshest music videos I’ve seen in a long time – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmBFw_Bf__g it’s just so much FUN‚ all pinks, reds, blues, and a fabulous start as they all come to life one by one; check it out, you won’t be disappointed. Such a well-observed and witty truism as well. You can also watch it here.

“Romance” did not make the album, but you can find it on the site. I wanted to review it anyway, because it runs a very close second for me with “Day After Day”. It’s the ballad of the bunch, and is beautifully written around a simple piano and string backing, with a vocal melody that will get right to your heart.

“Together we make sense out of all of this crazy world;
Taking in the flowers, staring at the sun”.

It’s everything that is musically wonderful about Good King Friday, with all of the emotion and lyrical content to be able to lose yourself in the song.

I’m so very glad to have found this happy bunch of very talented, very qualified, unique musicians. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Good King Friday in the coming years. In the meantime, check out the above songs by buying the album on iTunes from Onyx Lane Records – here – and also check out their profile, and leave a comment, here.

By David Mark Smith
Global Musicians Fish Pond

Jonina Aradottir is every definition of a beautiful soul. With a voice like a gentle breeze, she fills every corner of the room like an echo from an angel.

The talented singer/songwriter was raised in the southeastern countryside of Iceland, where she began to develop into the musician we have come to know and love today. She combines the skills she learned studying her art at Songskoli Reykjavikur’s most prestigious vocal school, and abroad studying studio techniques and guitar with Den Rytmiske Hojskole in Denmark, with her original twist, to bring you a beautiful style of musical craftsmanship.

One of my favorite songs of Jonina’s, (and the subject of this review) is ‘You and Me’.

With this heartfelt, guitar-based ballad, she takes you on a journey to a feeling of pure love and joy. Slow; like a lullaby, the song begins. You will most likely find yourself closing your eyes, swaying side to side, and by the second chorus; singing along. The verses are so honest, like they were plucked right out of a memory and placed into the song. Flowing with dreamy ease into the chorus;

“Do you wanna take my hand?
Do you wanna be my man?
Walk beside me till the ends of time,
and it will be,
just you and me.”

There is no need for any additional musical build, Jonina does everything the song needs vocally. Beautifully simple in the guitar, with a skilled finger-picking style that runs throughout, there’s plenty of room for her voice to shine; and by the second chorus she does just that. Voice ringing out; she demonstrates her vocal range, completely enveloping you in the lyrics, she reaches the peak of the song as she sings the catch phrase:

“you and me, just you and me.”

Then drifting back down almost into a whisper, she does a perfectly executed fade-out of guitar and vocals, finishing just as wonderfully as the song began.

If Jonina can evoke this much honest feeling and emotion from just one ballad, you can only imagine what she’s capable of delivering with an album. She is a joy to watch blossom and grow. A true musician and artist.

You can hear more from Jonina Aradottir here.

By Pranam Bai Richter
Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

Josh Doyle is unique; watch and listen to his latest material, and you’ll see an artist with an enormous passion for the songs he creates and performs; a guitar style which is superb in it’s intricacy; a history including four top 40 singles in the UK charts in the early 2000’s and supporting Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium; and a body of work which has Billboard Magazine touting Josh as “…the next big thing on an international level”.

“I Figured the World Out”, Track 6 on Josh’s 2012 self-titled album release, which you can find here, is in its entirety a study in how a really talented singer/songwriter and guitarist can excel. With a guitar part which defies the hand-span of most, and a lyric which is both thoughtful and emotional, it’s a number which will show you exactly why he won Guitar Center’s 2012 Singer Songwriter Competition.

You can view the video below as you read, if you want to follow the song along.

Leaping into a beautiful acoustic guitar lick from the beginning, it’s a rhythmic and melodic start to a really catchy number. There’s no doubt from the very start of the vocal that it’s the Josh Doyle we all know and love – he has a voice that’s impossible to forget from when I first heard him in the early 2000’s;

“Got the fence surrounded, snipers on the roof,
Copters buzzing frantic, sights on me and you”

There’s just enough gravel in that voice to cement the knowledge that he’s passionate on the subject. Then into that glorious first chorus; kept nice and low to allow for build later in the song, it’s catchy as hell;

“Can’t you see you’re all I’ve got?
All that I can’t live without,
While you were sleeping,
I figured the world out, I figured the world out”

The lyric needs thinking about – the second verse giving us a beautiful pass into the second chorus, which is Josh at his all out best. Demonstrating the best of his range, he let’s the second chorus fly with an angst and passion which will drag you right into the heart of the song.

The bridge is once again both lyrically and musically intelligent, stepping the song up another level, and this next is the one lyric that has really stuck in my mind since I first heard the song;

“And all my dreams have failed me like election night promises,
My enemies invade me like a thousand doubting Thomases”

Brilliant; clearly it’s an emotional build; I wonder how he gets through an entire set in an evening with the obvious outpouring of feeling, technique, pure gritty vocals, and energy which go into just one song (and his video catalog bears witness to the fact that he’s completely committed to the audience in effort and sheer raw performance every time).

Leaving himself room for a last chorus which is like a shout of pain, and an instrumental outro which winds the song down beautifully, Josh deserves that wry smile which he allows himself at the end of the video. Frankly he knows it, and we know it; as musicians go, he’s in a league of his own.

Josh is also a particular favorite, not only because he’s a decent down to earth bloke, but because of his ground-breaking self-funded tour of the UK in 2009. In 2009, his EP ‘Values and Virtues’ was released independently, and with the proceeds of sales, he required no label or sponsorship, paving a new road for Indie artists with a good number of fans.

We at the Fish Pond wish him every success for 2013, and look forward to enjoying his material for many years to come.

You can view the video to “I Figured the World Out” here.

By David Mark Smith
www.globalmusiciansfishpond.com

From the humble town of Adelaide, South Australia comes the beautiful pop/rock artist Sarah Dokowicz.

With a passion for music that shines through in all her musical endeavors, her new EP; Over You, is a combination of female strength and musical fun. Since the age of 9, Sarah D knew music was her last stop, and she continues to prove it to this day with her heart-driven desire to make a change through her voice.

Starting the album off right with an edgy/rock tune; ‘Stand Up’ is a no nonsense, attention grabber. With such a powerful lyric, you know this song was meant to make a statement. She has a very pretty falsetto that she brings in after the bridge, showing off her vocal range and dynamics she had hinted at throughout the entire song. Simple touches, like the combination of bass drum/hand claps, add a layer of complexity to the song.

Another up-beat number is; ‘Gone’. A great blend of edgy musical arrangements and vocals, it’s female activism in lyrical form. Starting off the first measure with a hint of reggae, it then makes a quick shift to a full-of-energy pop song. Steady rhythm and electric guitar play throughout, filling the song with lots to pay attention too. You will want to listen to it several times over to completely feel you heard all the little touches. Her vocals suggest influences from Pink and Kelly Clarkson, yet still keeping it original. Strategic pauses throughout the song leave perfect moments to take a breath, before jumping right back into the party.

In another shade of Sarah’s musical light comes; ‘Crying Over The Rainbow’. Starting off with a soft piano intro and simple lyrics, it sets a perfect mood to just settle in and listen to what seems to be a very promising track. Once the chorus hits, it proves to live up to intro expectations. Filled with a beautiful rise and fall, signature piano solos, and creative sound effects, it has just enough, without being too complicated and distracting from the warm tone of Sarah’s voice. Her lyrics take you on a journey through a difficult relationship, but in a relatable way, that will have many listeners singing along in understanding.

With a slightly different flavor; ‘Make The World’. Coming right in the first measure:

“I wanna make the world revolve around me”

Sarah demands the stage, and takes no hesitation to own it. A beautiful break down into the bridge, a slight pause before the final round of chorus, and the easy way she shifts from tender vocals to sassy flair, shows off a similar trail throughout the album, and puts a “Sarah” stamp on every song; the mark of a true artist. Finishing out the last song with an unedited laugh, it’s easy to feel the fun she had creating this EP.

It’s difficult to not instantly fall in love with this girl, the powerful message she brings through her lyrics, and the passion you can hear in her voice. Sarah D is one you won’t easily forget.

You can hear more of Sarah D here;

Enjoy her website here, and purchase the EP today here;

Coming to you from Boston, MA is the talented duo of singer/songwriter Ashley Sonlin and guitarist/producer Juan Carreno.

But don’t let their innocent smiles fool you into thinking they’re contestants; full of spunk and a blend of power vocals and complex musical arrangements, Last Day Kiss knows exactly what kind of contenders they are.

Kicking off the EP comes an edgy head-banging track; ‘Nice and Easy’ is a superb blend of raw emotion, edgy vocals and musical talent. Leading right off; a catchy electric guitar riff and vocals that have you totally sold right from the start. Throughout the entire song there’s a feeling of contained fire ready to be set free. The electric guitar solo leading into the chorus is the perfect touch, the climax hits:

“…all that I’m made to do, just gotta push through,
just gotta Live My Life”

…and the fire has found freedom. With a final round of the chorus and leads from the guitar the song has found completion. Juan has demonstrated how second nature runs and solos are on the electric guitar, in all the right places. The song comes full circle, and gives a power-packed track with skills much higher then expected. You can just picture these two belting this one out on stage, in full effect.

In a much softer light the two produce ‘Drowning’, a simple yet beautifully crafted piece. With just a piano and vocals, Ashley shows a much more tender side in her voice, and the immense control she has vocally. You can hear her lyrics pleading to listeners;

“hear me, listen to this song from my heart”

Not in an invasive way, but simply demanding a silence so you won’t miss a single beat. Filled with many unexpected notes, both vocally and musically, there is obvious thought to every detail. The melody leaves just enough room to be “in” the song and live the journey, without being empty. They successfully create a personal connection to the song, as if it’s being sung just for your ears only. As the song finds it’s closing, you may find yourself following the last notes of the piano, making you begin to anticipate where the music will lead, and expect the last note to fall lower on the scale; but it stops just shy, leaving your breath caught for that final release, and needing to hear it over again.

Showing yet another completely different side themselves in the last track; ‘One of These Days’. You can just feel the pure joy in this song, like she’s singing with a smile in her voice the whole time. With a very poppy and upbeat feel, you’ll be grooving along in no time. With this track they prove you don’t always need wild electric guitar solos, or sky-high notes to have beautiful musical craftsmanship and catchy, quality songs.

Through the entire album Ashley demonstrates a sort of sweet and sassy flair with her vocals, while Juan does an exceptional job musically as well as in production. The two make quite the duet, and to quote the lyric of their own song, these two are “not going anywhere.”

You can read more about Last Day Kiss on their profile here, or buy their EP here.

By Pranam Bai Richter, Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

Straight off the East Coast, with roots in Britain, Canada, and the USA, comes My Lucky Fish with their first album “Best Thing.”

A working progress for a full 15 months, major efforts were put into this album. Without question, it all paid off in obvious skill and craftsmanship of every track. From catchy pop/funk track; Bother Me, to soft ballad; Catch Me When I Fall. Dynamite vocals come from both male lead; David Smith (also on guitar) and female lead Rachael Schoellen (also on piano).

Their album-titled song Best Thing is a combination of jazzy flavor and funky groove. With beautiful harmonies from female vocal; Rachael Schoellen and male vocal; David Smith, Best Thing is a perfect blend of skilled musical arrangements and lyrical style. Starting off with a drum roll, the song comes in full force with energy. A steady foot-tapping rhythm throughout, with a steady build into the chorus, creates a signature song you won’t forget. A sudden pause in the second verse wouldn’t seem that significant, but it adds the perfect touch, proving the thought to each detail. Then a slight drop off into the bridge allows for yet another build into a musical jam fest of guitar solo and rock. Vocals coming back in at that point for a final round of the chorus, ending with just as much energy as it started with.

The real funk arrives with track four; Leave You. Starting right off with a bass solo, there’s no hesitation that this song, you will love. Rachel’s tender vocals glide in like a gentle summer breeze, but by the end of the first few lines she has you hooked. Starting into the second verse, you might take a double-take, An edgy rap hits full force, adding yet another layer to this already dynamic song. The blend is perfect, with neither singer over powering the other. The ending electric guitar solo is not only spot on hard rock, but the highlight to the song, leaving you wanting to listen to the entire song over again just to hear it.

Softening things up dramatically with a piano-based track is Change My Mind. A beautiful heartfelt ballad, filled with all the right touches of tender feelings, and raw emotion. Rachel demonstrates her range and ability to put just the right feeling in a song to make it an unforgettable song that may have you teary-eyed by the end. Not overly complicated, and a beautiful string solo in the middle, you can see the true craftsmanship throughout. The song drifts out in a romantic fashion, leaving the listener clinging to the shift in every last note. A true mark of musical talent and skill.

Offering yet another side to their musical style, yet still carrying that edgy flavor is; Butterfly. With a hint to the latin side, the intro guitar solo, which plays again throughout the song, creates the perfect setting of sultry desire. Rachel’s luring vocals drift through while David paints a picture with his raw-feeling lyrics. The song is filled with electric guitar solos, and impressive beat-keeping. With a good rise and fall through, the song takes you on a journey to some exotic island, with a forbidden romance between two long lost lovers.

Among the signature tracks on the album is a mixture of pop/funk style and killer guitar riffs, well executed musical bridges and thought provoking lyrics. The entire album gets you moving, and never has a dull moment. My Lucky Fish has done an excellent with production and fresh originality. The album is a strong collaboration, joined by Ricky Furr (Drums), Tom Graham (Bass) and Doug Sharpe (also on guitar) there is plenty of talent to make this album a real success.

Best Thing is one album that won’t make it to your shelf, because it will be playing in your CD player.

You can view My Lucky Fish at their website or on their profile, or go ahead and take the plunge – buy their album here.

By Pranam Bai Richter, Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond